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SearchArchives for February 2011
22 February, 2011
Office consolidation
opens door to savings
Moving State Government offices from the Perth Central Business District is expected to save up to $25 million a year by 2015.
The Government is currently spending approximately $220 million on office accommodation.
Agencies occupy about 360,000 square metres in the CBD, East Perth and West Perth, spread across 148 separate lease agreements.
Plans to consolidate Government offices will cut the number of buildings used from 96 to 15.
Minister for Finance, Simon O’Brien said while there would be up-front costs to fit out the buildings, in the long term it was going to save taxpayers money.
“The replacement accommodation for Governor Stirling Tower has been obtained for $14.5 million per year, as opposed to $22 million per year had the Government continued the expensive Perth CBD lease procurement process,” Mr O’Brien said.
Savings can also be made by reducing the space that is leased per person by standardising office fit-outs from the current 19sqm to about 15sqm per person, and sharing facilities, such as reception and meeting rooms, for all the Agencies in major office buildings (saving about 20 per cent).
The Government has begun the consolidation into fewer buildings by leasing the entire office space available in the 19-storey tower under construction at 140 William Street, Perth.
“When fully occupied, 140 William Street will accommodate approximately 2,500 Government officers from about 10 Agencies. Under the previous approach to fit-out, the building would have accommodated less than 2,000 employees,” Mr O’Brien said.
The Department of Treasury and Finance is relocating two of its divisions - Government Procurement and Building Management and Works - to the Optima Centre, in Herdsman Business Park in April.
22 February, 2011
Ellis named to head
bushfire probe
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) has named the person to head an investigation into the bushfires that occurred two weeks ago.
He is the former Chair of the Council of Australian Governments Inquiry on Bushfire Mitigation and Management, Stuart Ellis.
Chief Executive Officer of FESA, Jo Harrison-Ward said Mr Ellis would conduct a Major Incident Review (MIR) into the bushfires at Redhill and Roleystone which destroyed 71 homes and damaged a further 39 properties.
“The Roleystone fire was one of the State’s worst bushfires with significant loss of property, but it can’t be investigated in isolation because the Redhill fire was also having a major impact on emergency services at the time,” Ms Harrison-Ward said.
“Mr Ellis, who was a former army officer who served with the SAS Regiment, is a highly respected, internationally recognised fire management expert, who has the knowledge and expertise to undertake a review of this type.”
The MIR would investigate FESA’s operational performance, the effectiveness of arrangements and assess the preparations leading up to the major fires at Redhill and Roleystone.
The final report would be tabled in Parliament by Minister for Emergency Services, Rob Johnson and then released on FESA’s website.
Ms Harrison-Ward expected it to be completed by 30 June to ensure that relevant outcomes and recommendations could be implemented before the 2011-12 bushfire season.
Meanwhile, FESA has defended its use of SMS for emergency warning and evacuations after residents panned the system’s effectiveness during the Perth fire crisis.
However, Chief Operating Officer at FESA, Craig Hynes admitted there is more work to be done to make it more informative and reliable.
He said the emergency warning system used by Western Australia was developed specifically for the State while stressing that the system is being brought into line with the national co-operative system.
22 February, 2011
Online mineral titles
a mine of information
The Department of Mines and Petroleum has instituted an Australian-first pilot program to allow it to notify the public of mineral title applications through its website.
The program will give anyone with access to the internet the ability to access information about mineral title applications.
Director General of Mines and Petroleum, Richard Sellers said integrating the direct publishing of mineral title applications into the Department’s website was an Australian first.
“This information was previously only available through newspaper advertisements, paid for by the applicants,” Mr Sellers said.
“Now, as a result of this program, anybody can access this information, from anywhere in the world,” he said.
Mr Sellers said this was another example of DMP taking its commitment as a lead Agency in the resources sector seriously.
“This program will also increase transparency regarding activity in Western Australia’s resources industry,” he said.
Mr Sellers said that over time the information would form an historic data base and create a very significant source of information regarding mining activity in WA, all from one portal.
“The program will run for three months and at the end of this period we will seek feedback from industry and other stakeholders,” he said.
The program was initiated by the Mining Industry Liaison Committee (MILC), and developed and adopted by DMP. Paid newspaper advertisements will continue for the length of the pilot program.
22 February, 2011
Property pay scheme
breaks new ground
A property purchaser will soon be able to pay duty at the time a transaction is settled under simplified transfer duty arrangements for most residential transfers.
The new rule will be introduced on 1 March.
Currently, purchasers often have to incur borrowing costs to pay duty in advance of settlement where lenders require an endorsed transfer document to proceed with settlement.
Under the new arrangements, this will no longer be necessary, provided the purchaser’s agent processes the transaction through the Office of State Revenue’s online duty system.
Announcing the changes, Minister for Finance, Simon O’Brien said they also significantly simplify the timing rules for the lodgement of property transfer documents.
“The new arrangements should reduce the likelihood of a person failing to lodge their transaction documents on time and then being penalised by the Commissioner of State Revenue,” Mr O’Brien said.
They would also extend the time allowed for payment of duty in some cases where the settlement of a property transaction occurred well after the signing of documents, such as where a property is purchased off the plan or where settlement is awaiting the issue of a new title.
“In such cases, the current maximum period of two years for the payment of duty will be extended to three years from the date of execution,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This better recognises that completion dates are sometimes delayed beyond two years, particularly in the case of off-the-plan transactions.”
22 February, 2011
Waterfront plan
right on the edge
The Department of Planning has released redevelopment design plans for Perth Waterfront, together with a promise by the Government that they would be funded in this year’s State Budget.
Earthworks will start in early 2012. Construction is expected to take about 30 months with the project due to be completed in mid-2014.
Cabinet has approved $270 million funding for the Perth Waterfront Project in the 2011-12 State Budget and preparation of the site will begin immediately after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.
Describing it as a significant milestone for the project and a tangible step towards its delivery, Premier Colin Barnett said the new waterfront would ensure Perth remained a contemporary, liveable and globally competitive city.
The Cabinet decision follows the completion of Phase Two planning, design and site investigation works for the project, undertaken by the Department of Planning.
Minister for Planning, John Day said the priority was to focus on delivering the fundamental infrastructure on which amazing constructions would be built, including the inlet, the parks and public spaces, and the roads and services.
“The Waterfront Promenade is the main feature of the project. It covers 1.5 hectares and links up with The Island,” Mr Day said.
“The Island is designed to be a relaxed place for children and adults and is connected to the Waterfront Promenade by a sculptural pedestrian and cycle bridge.”
Once completed, Perth Waterfront would be an exciting new city destination with direct and uninterrupted connection to the Swan River, Mr Day said.
22 February, 2011
Commissioner report
is family friendly
The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Michelle Scott has released a policy brief on the importance of family to children and young people.
The brief, Speaking Out About Wellbeing: Children and Young People Speak Out About Families, highlights the importance of family to the 1,000 children and young people who took part in wellbeing research undertaken by the Commissioner last year.
Participants said family was the most important thing in their lives, which was consistent with other research on what was essential to give children and young people the best foundation for the future.
A loving, supportive family, good friends, fun and activity, a safe environment, a good education, acknowledgement and trust were among the major factors identified as essential to living a full life.
Ms Scott said the policy brief would be of interest to those organisations working with children and their families.
It provided guidance on the development of appropriate policy and programs for children and young people.
“Research shows that strong, nurturing relationships between children and their parents, and other primary caregivers, are critical to healthy development into adulthood,” Ms Scott said.
“Investing in the healthy development of our children is not only essential to the wellbeing of our children now, it is vital for building healthy communities into the future,” she said.
The Commissioner said she would be using this research to talk with Government, not-for-profit agencies, the private sector and the wider community about what more can be done to support children, young people and their families.
The policy brief and the wellbeing research report that accompanies it are available on the Commissioner’s website at this PS News link.
22 February, 2011
$10 million to
go to waste
The Waste Authority’s Household Hazardous Waste program, which supports the collection and disposal of hazardous materials in Perth, is to benefit from another $10 million in funding.
The new funds, to be delivered over four years, would ensure Western Australia remained at the forefront of household hazardous waste management in Australia.
Minister for the Environment, Bill Marmion said hazardous wastes, including pesticides and other poisons, pool chemicals, batteries and paints, could pose a threat to health and the environment or could contaminate “clean” waste streams if not disposed of correctly.
“Between 1 June, 2008 and 31 December, 2010, the Government allocated more than $5.3 million to Local Governments under the current program which is coming to a close, with more than 487 tonnes of household hazardous waste diverted from landfill,” Mr Marmion said.
“The $10 million boost will allow a new version of the program to be implemented from July this year by the Western Australian Local Government Association on behalf of the Waste Authority.”
The Minister also turned the first soil to begin construction on a new waste facility that will use WA-developed technology to recycle up to 85 per cent of household waste from Perth’s western suburbs.
Mr Marmion said the system would remove recyclables, including metal, glass and plastic, before converting the organic leftovers into compost and biogas.
Safely disposing of “e-waste”, or electronic/electrical waste, is to be made easier.
Mr Marmion said $1.5million will go to the Western Australian Transitional E-Waste Program, set up by the Waste Authority to subsidise e-waste recycling and disposal costs.
22 February, 2011
Seachange for
sailors’ rules
Changes have been made to Certificates of Competency for people working on commercial vessels in WA.
These include new eyesight standards and five-yearly certificate revalidation requirements.
The changes better reflect national standards and are designed to improve safety.
General Manager Marine Safety at the Department of Transport, David Harrod said the industry needed to be aware of the new requirements.
“Following consultation with the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council the changes were formally gazetted on 11 February,” Mr Harrod said.
“The minimum eyesight requirements for both fishing and trading certificates have been relaxed after previously being set higher than the national standard.”
Past applicants who failed to meet minimum eyesight requirements may now be eligible and should contact the Department of Transport to reapply.
In addition, new fishing certificates would have to be revalidated after five years, bringing them into line with that already required for trading certificates in WA.
“It is important to note that the new revalidation requirements only apply to certificates issued after the date of gazettal. Current certificate holders will not be affected,” he said.
“The changes also reinforce the ongoing requirement for certificate holders to maintain an appropriate level of medical fitness that enables them to safely perform the functions to which their Certificate relates.”
Mr Harrod said the changes were another step towards aligning with the National Standard for Commercial Vessels and would result in improved safety for those working on the water in WA.
22 February, 2011
Election office
pushes polling
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is urging students currently involved in orientation at Curtin, Edith Cowan, Notre Dame and University of WA to make sure they are enrolled to vote.
AEC State Manager for WA, Peter Kramer said it was important for students to remember that enrolling to vote meant having a say in Australian democracy.
“Every vote counts. The last Federal election showed how close the outcome can be and it’s always a concern when Australians miss out on their vote because they are not enrolled in time,” Mr Kramer said.
“You never know when an election might be called, so it’s important to be ready to have your say,” he said.
“By simply completing an enrolment form you can vote in Federal, State and Local Government elections.”
People enrolling for the first time should visit the AEC website at this PS News link.
“If you’ve moved address for your studies, you may need to complete a new enrolment form to keep your details up-to-date on the electoral roll. You can now do this online at www.aec.gov.au,” Mr Kramer said.
It is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 years and older to enrol to vote. People who are 16 or 17 can enrol now so that they are ready to vote as soon as they turn 18.
22 February, 2011
Apprentice numbers
pass the test
The Vocational Training and Education Centre (VTEC) in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance has been congratulated on achieving an increase in apprentice enrolments.
Preliminary information from the college showed VTEC had already received 104 enrolments for new student apprentices in semester one 2011, compared to 64 in 2010.
Minister for Training, Peter Collier that while all the apprenticeships could not be confirmed until a Departmental audit had been completed, he was delighted to see evidence of growth in the Goldfields-Esperance region.
The major industry areas employing apprentices included plant mechanic, metal fabrication and electrical. VTEC had also recorded an increase in mature-age apprentices.
“As new apprentices are employed before their enrolment, the increased figures indicate an upsurge in confidence for local businesses,” Mr Collier said.
“The impact of the global economic downturn in 2010 led employers to slow their engagement in the training process with a consequential loss of apprenticeship opportunities.”
However, the increase in enrolments in 2011 reflected renewed confidence in the training sector and the economy, which would positively impact on the impending skills shortage in Western Australia.
Mr Collier said early indications were that the demand for apprentices in the Goldfields would increase beyond 2010 figures.
The current total apprentice enrolment for 2011 is 556 students, which is 50 more than the total in 2010.
22 February, 2011
Four hour rule
ahead of time
The Four Hour Rule Program for hospital emergency departments is on track to meet new targets in April.
The program, which is due to be introduced nationally under the Federal Government’s health reforms, had already resulted in a big drop in “access block” across all tertiary hospitals.
Minister for Health, Kim Hames said access block occurs when a patient is forced to wait more than eight hours for a bed.
This figure dropped to 10.8 per cent of patients in December, compared to 30 per cent for the same time in 2009.
Royal Perth Hospital was likely to hit the 85 per cent target set for the end of April.
More than 75 per cent of patients were admitted, discharged or transferred within four hours on average during the week ending on 6 February, which was an increase of 41.1 per cent on the same time last year.
RPH has also had a number of days above the 85 per cent target and new strategies were still being rolled out.
“One of the latest innovations being trialled at RPH is the introduction of iPads which have a special task-tracker application allowing doctors to track patient treatment needs at night,” Dr Hames said.
“If it continues to prove successful, we will roll it out to other sites.”
At Fremantle Hospital, the average was 71 per cent, which is 25 per cent better than the same time last year.
“We are still implementing new strategies at our hospitals. One change due to happen at Fremantle Hospital is the introduction of a new nursing role to assist in the discharge of patients who no longer need to be in hospital,” the Minister said.
Dr Hames said Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital had improved its Four Hour Rule Program results but was less likely to hit the target in April.
22 February, 2011
Views to be captured
for carbon storage
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has hosted a community workshop to record views on the potential for carbon capture and storage in the South West of WA.
The South-West Collie Hub Carbon Capture and Store Proposal has the potential to reduce local carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30 per cent.
The Collie Hub concept involves capturing CO2 from emissions sources, compressing it into a liquid and pumping it deep below the earth for permanent storage.
Carbon Strategy Coordinator at the Department of Mines and Petroleum, Dominique Van Gent said the workshop was just the beginning of the community information sessions which would play a critical role in the assessment and evaluation of the Collie Hub project.
“This will include involvement in the design of the project assessment, identification of issues to be addressed, monitoring and review of the trials and project planning and development,” Mr Van Gent said.
“These measures will ensure the project has a thorough and transparent examination before any commercial operations are considered.”
The Collie Hub proposal has been established to examine the options for carbon capture and storage in saline aquifers three kilometres beneath the Swan Coastal Plain.
Initial studies have identified the Lesueur Formation, north of the Kemerton Industrial Area, as the best potential storage site for CO2.
“Plans for the next stage of the project include new data collection and analysis involving a seismic survey and a core sample well to obtain deeper core samples,” Mr Van Gent said.
“It is expected to take four years of study and research, including detailed desktop modeling based on new data, before a final decision can be made.”
22 February, 2011
National push to
reduce violence
The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022, announced by the Federal Government, has been welcomed by Minister for Child Protection, Robyn McSweeney.
The plan is a unified strategy bringing together efforts to reduce violence against women and their children.
Mrs McSweeney said the plan would tie in with the excellent work already being done by the Department for Child Protection which had identified many strategies that were working in reducing violence against women and children in WA.
“The State Strategic Plan for Family and Domestic Violence 2009-2013 is important as it identifies the way in which local Agencies in Western Australia respond to family and domestic violence incidents and I welcome a national approach to further decreasing incidents of family and domestic violence,” Mrs McSweeney said.
She said family and domestic violence was a complex issue requiring multi-Agency responses across State and Federal Governments as well as the involvement of police, corrective services, child protection, legal and advocacy services and the court system.
“I endorse the national plan’s emphasis on the need to partner with non-Government, community and business organisations, which will be critical to the success of the national strategy,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“Like the West Australian family and domestic violence plan, the national plan has been built from an evidence base of new research and extensive consultation with experts and the community, and sets out a framework for action over the next 12 years.”
The Minister said the Department for Child Protection would be the lead Agency representing WA on the Council of Australian Governments Officials Working Group that would implement the State’s commitments.
22 February, 2011
Big build up for
developments
Final planning approval has been granted to two significant urban development proposals in the Wheatbelt aimed at stimulating population growth and economic activity.
The first applies to the Shire of Gingin were 197 hectares, known as Lancelin South, has been rezoned for urban development and conservation.
The 113ha Daliak Precinct will be established in the Shire of York, west of the York townsite, as a major future development area.
The rezoning of Lancelin South, located about two kilometres south of Lancelin, will pave the way for the future growth of Lancelin and provide employment opportunities and an expanded water supply scheme.
Minister for Planning, John Day said the development proposal would include some 1,000 residential dwellings, 50ha of industrial land and 22ha of conservation land.
“The environmental values of the area warranted formal assessment of the proposal by the Environmental Protection Authority, which led to a number of environmental conditions being set and land to the east of the site allocated for conservation purposes,” Mr Day said.
“The creation of a formal conservation area is an important part of this proposal that will allow development to occur in the context of the site’s important natural values.”
The Minister described the proposal for the Shire of York’s Daliak Precinct as a significant development for York that would support the growth of one of the State’s most historic townships.
“The Daliak Precinct will ultimately provide about 1,000 residential dwellings with a mix of lot sizes, including a proposed retirement village,” he said.
Mr Day also approved the zoning of a 343ha site to the south of York for rural residential purposes that will provide approximately 150 lifestyle lots.
22 February, 2011
Cycle trail in
the balance
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is to hold public information sessions on the planned route of the Munda Biddi Trail from Youngs Siding to Walpole and Northcliffe.
The sessions, to be held over the next few weeks, will give details of the extensions to WA’s premier off-road cycle trail that at present runs from Mundaring to Nannup.
The allocation of $3 million from Royalties for Regions funding, has fast-tracked the planning of the final stage which will extend the trail through to Albany and double its length to 1,000 kilometres.
DEC has also committed $1 million over three years to the completion of the trail. Work on the extension is proceeding concurrently from Albany and Nannup and is expected to be completed in 2012.
Project Coordinator at DEC, Kerstin Stender said the section between Nannup to Manjimup was progressing well and was due to be opened in late autumn.
“Construction has started near Albany and planning for the remainder of the trail through to Albany is at an advanced stage,” Ms Stender said.
“The trail had been designed to take riders through scenic forests and bushland, via gentle terrain, connecting towns and places of interest,” she said.
“The extension of the Munda Biddi Trail through the South West to the South Coast will bring a focus on low-impact tourism with significant economic benefits to local towns.”
The DEC was now in the final stages of planning the alignment of the trail between Youngs Siding and Northcliffe and the information sessions would give people a final opportunity to provide input.
22 February, 2011
Vehicle blitz no
picnic in park
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and the City of Rockingham are cracking down on people using trail bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles illegally in the Port Kennedy Scientific Park.
A blitz last month resulted in nine people being fined $100 each in one day for illegal use of vehicles in the park.
Operations Officer at DEC, Robbie Campbell said Port Kennedy Scientific Park, located within Rockingham Lakes Regional Park, was a Class A nature reserve.
“The park is home to the listed Becher Point wetlands and contains internationally important dune systems, which are among the youngest formations on the Swan Coastal Plain,” Mr Campbell said.
“The area also supports various threatened ecological communities, which are extremely fragile and are unable to stand up to sustained damage caused by off-road vehicles.”
Mr Campbell said unauthorised vehicle access was a problem in the park and on adjoining beaches, where it caused erosion and damage to sand dunes and native vegetation.
“The constant damage to fencing surrounding the park is also costly and frustrating for DEC, so as a result of these issues, we will be repeating enforcement activities at regular intervals over the coming months, to ensure people get the message that illegal vehicle use in the area will not be tolerated,” he said.
Under the Conservation and Land Management Regulations, $100 fines can be issued for unlawfully driving or using a vehicle, and unlawfully using off-road vehicles on DEC-managed land.
22 February, 2011
Shire runs out of water
A water deficiency for the Shire of Kent has been declared by the Water Minister.
A declaration is the last resort option after all water available for supply has been exhausted.
It means the Government will cart in water to top up dwindling farmland emergency supplies.
Milestone for Resource Centres
Community Resource Centres have celebrated their 20th anniversary in WA.
In 1991 a Federal Government grant established a trial project to increase post-compulsory education in regional and remote areas of WA.
The network of Community Resource Centres established under the grant quickly showed it was possible to overcome distance to provide equity and access to rural and remote students.
There are 106 centres across the State.
Grants for women’s groups
One-off annual grants of up to $5,000 will be provided to eligible community groups and organisations which provide services to West Australian women.
The grants will be provided to applicants who run projects to strengthen the social and economic wellbeing of women; increase their participation in the community; promote positive images of women and encourage a sense of leadership and safety.
A total of $80,000 is available to fund the grants. The deadline for applications is 15 April.
Ten sign up to Regional Group
Ten Local Governments in the Goldfields-Esperance region have been praised for engaging in the Government’s Local Government Reform Program.
The shires of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Laverton, Leonora, Dundas, Coolgardie, Esperance, Menzies, Ngaanyatjarraku, Ravensthorpe and Wiluna have signed an agreement formalising the formation of a Regional Collaborative Group.
This represents the largest regional group formed through the reform process and the 10 involved will now develop a Regional Business Plan.
Heritage nominations sought
Nominations are being sought for this year’s Western Australian Heritage Awards.
Now in their 19th year, the awards honour the leading contributors to heritage conservation, promotion, adaptive reuse and interpretation in WA.
There are three new categories: Outstanding Heritage Tourism Product; Outstanding Heritage Practices by a Local Government and Outstanding Newcomer: The Professor David Dolan Award.
Nominations close on Friday, 18 March.
Mental Health candidates
More than 100 people have put in applications to join the Mental Health Advisory Council.
Applications are now closed and membership of the 12-member Council will be decided in due course.
Final selections will be from a broad cross-section of the community on the basis of their experience and ability to provide a holistic vision towards a recovery-based approach to mental health.
The Council’s role is to provide expert, balanced and timely advice to Commissioner for Mental Health, Eddie Bartnik.
Addition to power program
Attadale North in the City of Melville has been added to Round Four of the State Underground Power Program, replacing a project withdrawn in the City of Stirling.
Work on Attadale North is expected to start in about 18 months when it will be the third underground power project delivered in the City of Melville.
Others are Mount Pleasant North (completed) and Attadale South (progressing).
Other projects already completed under Round Four include Maddington (City of Gosnells), Palm Beach (City of Rockingham) and Wilson West (City of Canning), with a further project progressing in Bentley East.
15 February, 2011
PS targeted in new
leadership programs
A new series of innovation, leadership and management programs designed specifically for public sector management has been unveiled by the Western Australia Institute of Public Administration.
The programs are the culmination of more than three years of workshops with public sector senior management conducted by Tim Mazzarol of the University of Western Australia and Ron J. McFarlane, a research associate.
These programs are further enhanced by a global research study on best practice in public sector innovation conducted by Mr McFarlane, and the incorporation of the Canadian program Creative Teamwork and Innovative Problem Solving Program Concept.
Chief Executive of the Institute, Alison Petrie said the research and workshops with the public sector found that senior public sector managers did not have an in-depth understanding of the versatility and potency of innovative leadership when used in organisational change, creativity and renewal programs.
Mr McFarlane said the most significant innovation opportunities and case studies came from simple conversations. The programs helped create conversations in and around innovation leadership.
Professor Mazzarol said targeting public sector management helped to ensure innovative ideas would be implemented at that level.
“We now realise that if we are to get innovation leadership more firmly ingrained in the DNA of public sector organisations, we need to provide more help and support to those senior managers charged with leading their organisation’s future ambitions and renewal,” Professor Mazzarol said.
15 February, 2011
Safety message greets
returning workers
WorkSafe has issued a reminder to workers returning after the summer holidays to keep workplace safety in mind.
Minister for Commerce, Simon O’Brien said there had been 15 work-related fatalities in Western Australia so far this financial year.
He said people returning to work after the festive break and school holidays needed to be especially mindful of workplace risks.
“It is unfortunately quite common for workers to remain in ‘holiday mode’ after the festive season, and lack of proper attention to the task at hand - especially in the more hazardous areas - has been known to have tragic results,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Statistics from recent years suggest there are, on average, more work-related deaths in February than any other month, so we need to guard against complacency.”
In 2007-08, 27 traumatic work-related deaths were recorded in WA. There were 21 in 2008-09 and nine in 2009-10.
In addition, every year about 18,000 West Australians suffer an injury or illness serious enough to have to take time off work.
The following areas have been found to have a higher than average rate of injury and/or fatalities: electricity, work at heights, hazardous substances, manual handling, guarding, mobile plant (traffic management), slips and trips, and new and young workers.
“It is particularly important to be vigilant at this time of year,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Fifteen work-related deaths is 15 too many, and we all have the right to return home from work safe and healthy every day.”
15 February, 2011
Planning panels to
break new ground
Development Assessment Panels to operate across Local Government areas are to be established.
The 15 panels will begin operations from 1 July.
The aim of the panels is to enhance planning expertise in decision-making by improving the balance between technical advice and local knowledge.
Minister for Planning, John Day said the panels would be independent decision-making bodies comprised of technical experts and elected Local Government representatives.
“They will determine development applications of more than $15 million in the City of Perth and more than $7 million across the rest of the State,” Mr Day said.
“In addition, applicants will have the option for panel determination for applications between $10 million and $15 million in the City of Perth, and $3 million to $7 million across the rest of the State.”
The Development Assessment Panels will have the same discretion regarding decision making as Local Governments and the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).
Each panel will comprise five members – three specialists and two Local Government representatives. Specialists will fill the roles of chair and deputy chair.
Specialist members may have experience in one or more of the following areas of expertise: town planning, architecture, urban design, engineering, landscape design, environment, law, property development and management.
Expressions of interest for specialist member positions are open until 4 March. In March, Mr Day will invite Local Governments to nominate elected councillors to sit as members on Development Assessment Panels.
15 February, 2011
Multicultural website
a world of information
A newly updated website provides information on key multicultural issues and services.
The website carries sections on settlement, housing, education, employment and training issues.
Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, John Castrilli said updated features included Community News and Community Events sections, and details of ethnic organisations and groups in Western Australia.
“The website demonstrates the State Government’s strong support for our culturally and linguistically diverse population and in, particular, community participation,” Mr Castrilli said.
Translated information about the Office of Multicultural Interests and its services is available on the website in 14 languages.
The Minister said a key innovation of the site was the Gateway to Multicultural Information, which acted as a central clearing house for research, articles and publications related to multiculturalism.
“The gateway is also a valuable tool for policy staff in Government Agencies, businesses and educational establishments,” he said.
The website will function as a resource for local groups to share and publicise their own data on important multicultural issues, events and news, and to keep in touch with the latest developments and thinking on multicultural issues.
“I encourage people to keep in touch with what is happening within their community,” Mr Castrilli said.
The Office of Multicultural Interests’ website can be found at this PS News link and its office number is 9217 1600.
15 February, 2011
Principals go to
top of the class
Principals from the highest performing public schools in Western Australia have been congratulated by Minister for Education, Liz Constable.
Speaking during a special event honouring the principals at Parliament House, Dr Constable said the achievements of public school students last year were exceptional.
“It was the best year ever for public schools, with 635 Curriculum Council Exhibitions and Awards won, and it was the second year running that students from public schools won the State’s top awards, the WACE and VET Beazley Medals,” Dr Constable said.
She praised the principals of Rossmoyne, Willetton and Churchlands Senior High Schools whose students received the highest number of awards, with Rossmoyne receiving 66 awards, Willetton 56 and Churchlands 49.
“We also had three students who achieved a perfect ATAR score of 99.95, and they entered the prestigious 99 club, alongside 97 other students from around the State,” Dr Constable said.
“This is a significant increase from last year,” she said.
Country schools also did well last year, with seven regional schools achieving 100 per cent graduation.
“These excellent results demonstrate the high quality of public school education in this State,” the Minister said.
“They could not have been achieved without the dedicated guidance and support of inspirational teachers, school leaders and support staff.”
A summary of school achievements can be found at this PS News link.
15 February, 2011
Lord Mayor warms
to bushfire fund
An appeal for fire victims has been set up through the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF).
Recognised as the State emergency fund, the LMDRF will support people and families affected by the fierce fires that swept through parts of the Perth Hills a week ago.
Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said she was shocked by the sudden and devastating impact of the fires and extensive loss and damage to property.
“The fires demonstrate clearly how people’s lives can change dramatically when events such as this happen,” Ms Scaffidi said.
“The LMDRF is run by an independent board and all the money goes to victims, with donations of $2 and above being tax deductible.”
The LMDRF has been activated three times so far this summer. An appeal to help victims of the Gascoyne floods has raised $1.35 million so far and $106,423 in donations has been received for those affected by the Lake Clifton fires.
The State Government will donate $1 million to the LMDRF, Premier Colin Barnett said.
Mr Barnett visited the fire-affected Roleystone area and offered his thanks to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, police, St John Ambulance, the local Shire and the State Emergency Service for keeping people safe.
“With the intensity of the fire and the extreme weather conditions, fire crews did a remarkable job to save the homes they did,” Mr Barnett said.
The Government has provided immediate assistance payments of $3,000 to people who have lost their primary place of residence and $1,000 for people who have suffered significant damage to their primary place of residence.
The area has been declared an Eligible Natural Disaster for the purposes of the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (WANDRRA).
15 February, 2011
Infant death study
to guide parents
A new report has found that smoking, failure to get professional help and co-sleeping were key risks for stillbirths and infant deaths in Western Australia.
The report, by the independent WA Perinatal and Infant Mortality Committee, followed the investigation of 458 stillbirths and infant deaths between 2005 and 2007.
Chief Medical Officer at WA Health, Simon Towler said more than one quarter (25.4 per cent) of still births and infant deaths occurred in mothers who were smokers.
“Both the perinatal mortality and infant mortality rates in smoking mothers (13 and 6.5 per 1,000 live births respectively) were significantly higher than in non-smoking mothers (8.7 and 3.1 per 1,000 live births respectively),” Dr Towler said.
“Smoking during and after pregnancy is a major risk to unborn and newborn children. If you smoke and are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about how to manage your smoking.”
The report also noted that although there has been a significant reduction in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) since 1991, the number of SIDS cases rose in the 2005-07 period compared to the previous three-year period.
Of particular note, the report reaffirmed the strong association between co-sleeping and sudden infant death.
“Co-sleeping should be discouraged, and particularly so where there are other risk factors, such as maternal smoking or sedation, fetal growth restriction and low birth weight,” Dr Towler said.
“The safest sleeping place for infants is in a cot in the same room as the parents - but not in the same bed.”
The Committee also investigated seven deaths among planned homebirths over the three-year period of the report, noting that planned homebirth was associated with increased risk of stillbirth and infant mortality.
15 February, 2011
Disability ambassadors
count themselves in
A number of high-profile West Australians have agreed to become advocates for people with disability.
They will be the State’s first Count Me In Ambassadors.
Inducting them into the program, Minister for Disability Services, Helen Morton said it had been introduced to provide more voices to spread the word on WA’s Count Me In: Disability Future Directions strategy.
“The strategy guides the work of the Disability Services Commission and the development of all Government projects and services to ensure access and inclusion is addressed as a priority,” Ms Morton said.
Chair of the Commission’s Board, Bruce Langoulant is patron for the program and will support the ambassadors’ work.
The Minister said it was heartening to see the high level of commitment from the Ambassadors, who already had busy and full lives.
Count Me In Ambassadors will provide independent comment on disability issues as opportunities arise in the course of their career, voluntary work or leisure pursuits.
They include:
Professor Mike Daube, Professor of Health Policy at Curtin University and Director of the Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA.
He was WA’s first Director General of Health and chair of the National Public Health Partnership.
He has been a consultant for the World Health Organisation, governments and non-government organisations in more than 30 countries.
John Langoulant has had more than 35 years’ experience in government and the private sector.
He is Chief Executive of the Oakajee Port and Rail project and has been Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA and the State’s Under Treasurer (1995–2004).
Mr Langoulant is also a University of WA Senate member, Chair of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research Board, Deputy Chair of the West Australian Ballet Board, Council of Australian Governments’ Reform Council member and Leadership WA Board member.
Elizabeth Needham, a barrister with Francis Burt Chambers and a member of the WA Bar Association and WA Women in Bar Association, has also held senior legal positions with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection.
Dr John O’Rourke is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Arts secondary program at Edith Cowan University.
He lectures in Special and Inclusive Education and is researching the support mechanisms needed for inclusive classrooms.
Dr O’Rourke has also been a secondary schools support coordinator working with students and their families who have additional needs.
Lisa Scaffidi is Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, the first woman in this role.
Before her election in 2007, Ms Scaffidi was executive director of the WA office of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia.
She is an ambassador or patron to a number of community-based organisations in Perth and WA.
In her role as Lord Mayor, she is committed to raising awareness and making life in the city as safe, comfortable and as easy as possible for people with disability.
Professor Fiona Stanley is director of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Professor of the School of Paediatrics and Child Health at UWA.
She is a board member for the Australian Social Inclusion Board for the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council, the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth.
15 February, 2011
Workplace watchdog
unleashed in Peel
The Fair Work Ombudsman is focusing on employers in the Peel region as part of a new education and compliance campaign.
Fair Work inspectors have written to about 50 employers in Mandurah, Harvey, Secret Harbour, Pinjarra, Baldivis, Waroona and surrounding areas as part of the campaign.
They have provided the employers with educational information about workplace laws and asked them to supply time-and-wages records for audit.
Executive Director of the Fair Work Ombudsman, Michael Campbell said employers from a range of industries had been randomly selected and key stakeholders, including local employer organisations, had been notified.
“Inspectors will check employers are paying staff their full entitlements and are complying with record-keeping and pay slip obligations,” Mr Campbell said.
“Where we find records are not adequate or identify other non-compliance issues, we will provide information and assistance to employers and request they voluntarily rectify any problems,” he said.
In cases where compliance was still ignored or where deliberate underpayments or other serious breaches had occurred, a full investigation could be launched.
Mr Campbell said a major aim of the campaign was improving awareness of the Fair
Work Ombudsman’s role among employers and workers in the Peel region.
“Inspectors will provide Peel region employers with tips about how to ensure they are compliant with workplace laws, including Modern Awards and the National
Employment Standards,” Mr Campbell said.
“It is also important regional workers understand there is an Agency they can turn to if they have workplace concerns. Complaints can be made confidentially,” he said.
15 February, 2011
Fisheries policies
rise to the surface
The low level of offences detected by the Department of Fisheries during the annual marron season was testimony to the effectiveness of the Department’s management policies, according to the Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore.
Department reports indicated just six infringement fines were issued in the south metropolitan region to fishers with undersize marron, no licence or illegal gear.
During patrols of dams close to the metropolitan area, Fisheries and Marine Officers also issued nine warnings on gear and undersize marron.
Mr Moore said it was testament to the Government’s boost to the numbers of fisheries compliance officers late last year, the success of the Fish for the Future message and the lawful nature of most fishers that most people encountered by Fisheries staff were doing the right thing.
“In the past, there have been serious issues of people fishing out of season,” Mr Moore said.
“Just last week in Armadale Magistrates Court, 14 people were ordered to pay fines, mandatory penalties and court costs for offences related to possession of marron during the closed season or having undersize marron,” he said.
“All but one of those cases related to offences that occurred in 2010 and their combined cost means the offenders will collectively pay more than $23,400 for the illegal fishing activity.”
The Minister said catches during the marron season were limited at dams, due to low water levels, but river fishers fared better.
15 February, 2011
Pensioners dealing
with power card
The 40,000th Country Age Pension Fuel Card has been presented.
Introduced in 2009 as part of the Royalties for Regions program, the scheme helps with the travel costs of country age pensioners who generally do not have access to extensive public transport and are reliant on cars and taxis for their transport needs.
Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls said cardholders were entitled to $500 towards the cost of fuel and taxi fares which helped to meet travel costs to attend medical appointments, do the shopping or visit family.
“Given the increasing cost of fuel in regional WA, the Country Age Pension Fuel Card is certainly helping those who need it most,” Mr Grylls said.
The Minister presented the 40,000th card to local resident Alicia Manolas in Bunbury.
She said the card would give her independence because she relied heavily on taxi services to get her to and from medical appointments.
Approximately 45,000 country pensioners who receive Centrelink age pension, Department of Veterans’ Affairs service age pension, DVA Social Security age pension, DVA Income Support Supplement pension, or benefit categories Widow B, Disability Support, Carer Payment and Wife pension are eligible for the card.
For more information about the fuel card visit this PS News link.
15 February, 2011
Climate house
put in order
The winner of LandCorp’s REAL Challenge (Regional Environmental Affordable Living), has been officially launched in Collie.
The new type of housing is designed specifically to respond to South-West climatic conditions.
The Wing House, South-West demonstrates how high-performing climate-responsive design can be achieved without the price often associated with architectural innovation.
Performing the launch, Minister for Lands, Brendon Grylls said the REAL Challenge competition was conceived to find solutions to address rising energy and water costs, through homes that were better designed and built to cope with their local climates.
“The competition sought to bring architects and builders together in a business partnership to design a three-bedroom, two-bathroom climate-responsive home within reasonable pricing,” Mr Grylls said.
“This objective had previously been considered difficult, particularly in regional areas, mainly due to escalating building costs and lack of architectural cost-competitive templates.”
However, the Wing House was packed with outstanding environmental and design-inspired initiatives including an internal water wall that not only collected and stored rainwater from the gutters, but also worked to heat the bedrooms in winter and keep them cool in summer.
The “wing” design was defined by the sun angles in the South-West and the prevailing winds, and roof-mounted Windpods, together with solar cells, provided energy to the home.
The Kimberley winner of the competition, the K1 home, responded to the environmental conditions of Kununurra with a wide number of innovative measures to help reduce both construction costs and continuing energy costs, while at the same time offering style and great comfort of living.
For home open times and address details, visit this PS News link.
15 February, 2011
Weed scientist to be
planted in Bangladesh
A senior weed scientist from the Department of Agriculture and Food is to assist Bangladesh in improving the production of two staple foods.
Abul Hashem will travel there to share his knowledge and expertise and to up-skill local agronomists in integrated weed management for chickpeas and lentils.
The five-day training course is part of a project run by Environmental Science Professor at Murdoch University, Richard Bell.
It is funded by the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) with additional support from the Crawford Fund.
Dr Hashem said there was a limited understanding of weed science and herbicide use in Bangladesh.
“This course aims to build the scientific capability of the agronomists in Bangladesh in weed science so they can train the growers on weed management in pulses, using minimum tillage systems,” Dr Hashem said.
“This will improve pulse production and, in turn, the quality of health of the Bangladeshi people by increasing the consumption of protein, in the form of chickpeas and lentils, and ultimately, go some way towards alleviating poverty,” he said.
Dr Hashem worked in Bangladesh for 14 years before joining the Department in 1996.
This is his second visit there to hold training courses in his role as an adviser to the ACIAR project.
Grains Executive Director at the Department, Peter Metcalfe said Dr Hashem’s involvement reflected the calibre of expertise in the Department and its commitment to local, national and international collaboration.
15 February, 2011
Drifters show way
in current affairs
Department of Fisheries WA researchers hope to learn more about the Capes Current with the deployment of six satellite-linked drifters between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste.
Supervising Scientist at the Department, Dan Gaughan said little was known about the day-to-day behaviour of the important Capes Current.
However, it was vital in carrying and dispersing eggs and larvae of summer spawning fish, such as the popular Western Australian dhufish.
“There is a need to understand where the eggs and larvae of shelf species may be transported to, if anywhere, after spawning,” Dr Gaughan said.
“The Capes Current is a northbound ocean current that flows up the continental shelf of South West Australia every year around summer.
“It is named after Capes Leeuwin and Naturaliste, where it is thought to originate.”
Scientists knew it was driven by the persistent and seasonal southerly winds, but the drifters would give a better idea of its speed, the direction of flow and sea surface temperatures, on an hourly basis.
Dr Gaughan said the new satellite drifters were being deployed under a project funded by the Western Australian Marine Science Institution and the drifters could be tracked online by researchers and also interested members of the public at this PS News link.
“These drifters are designed to follow surface currents by having a six-metre long drogue - think of it as a sock with holes - suspended below the surface,” Dr Gaughan said.”It is tethered to a surface unit that, every hour, will transmit sea temperatures and position via satellite.”
Additional research projects would be carried out from the RV (Research Vessel) Naturaliste as it journeys through South West waters this month.
15 February, 2011
Offender program
judged a winner
The new West Kimberley Youth Justice Services, funded from the Royalties for Regions program and implemented by the Department of Corrective Services, has been officially launched.
It offers a range of services aimed at curbing the rate of young people offending in the West Kimberley.
Included are early intervention and prevention programs for young people at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system.
Minister for Corrective Services, Terry Redman said the West Kimberley Youth Justice Services were modelled on similar services in the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Goldfields Regions after they showed outstanding success in tackling youth offending.
“The Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Geraldton services have effectively reduced the number of young people being held in custody, with admissions to Rangeview Remand Centre from these areas dropping by 31 per cent,” Mr Redman said.
“The early intervention emphasis has also reduced the incidence and severity of youth crime,” he said.
“It is critical to break the downward spiral these young people are on and give them hope for the future.”
Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls said the program would help local families manage the behaviour of their children and effectively divert young people into proactive services and activities away from criminal behaviour.
“It means fewer young people being held on remand, allowing them to remain engaged with crucial existing networks such as school, employment and family,” Mr Grylls said.
The community will benefit from improved community safety because of a predicted drop in youth crime rates, freeing police to return to front-line duties.
15 February, 2011
Plain sailing for
young achievers
Thirteen participants in Department of Indigenous Affairs’ Leeuwin Adventure Program have set sail on the training tall ship, Leeuwin II.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Peter Collier said the young people had already been identified as leaders, or potential leaders, within their Indigenous communities.
“The purpose of this program is to ensure that they are supported in their leadership aspirations through the development of their communication skills, the understanding of teamwork and recognising the importance of a strong sense of community,” Mr Collier said.
“Seven days on the high seas, working with people from a range of communities, will be a truly unique experience, and one that will serve to build their confidence and leadership qualities,” he said.
Since its inception in 1986, more than 23,000 young people have taken part in the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation Program, a service that offers young people a challenging life experience to help them reach their potential.
The 2011 voyage is the first of three to be co-ordinated by the Department of Indigenous Affairs, with the program set to run until at least 2013.
The 2011 voyage participants are: Angelika Dark (16), Leda; Kamurudin Hunter (17), Cloverdale/Broome; Jerome Collard (15), Northam; Teagan Garvie (16), Northam; Hailey Angus (16), Derby; Gypsy-Anne Flemming (15), Katanning; Mary-Jo Coppin (15), Subiaco/Pilbara; Brendan Morrison (16), Coodanup; Angel Hayward (16), Lesmurdie; Florence Beck (16), Wyndham/Mosman Park; Dana Anaru (16), Lesmurdie/Mt Magnet; Marika Hayden (23), Merredin; Ben Curtis (15), Lesmurdie.
15 February, 2011
Pay offer rejected
Delegates representing the Community & Public Sector Union / Civil Service Association of WA have rejected the Government’s GA5 pay and conditions offer and the trade-off in conditions of employment.
A full meeting of members will now be held on 3 March at 12.30pm at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Regional meetings will be conducted between 8 March and 18 March.
Prisoners in clean-up
Supervised minimum-security prisoners have been dispatched to the Lake Clifton district to help with clean-up efforts following the deliberately-lit fire that went through the area in early January.
The Department of Corrective Services said that approved prisoners from Bunbury Regional Prison and Karnet Prison Farm have been replacing roadside markers, clearing burnt and fallen trees and vegetation from roadsides and fence lines, and assisting at residents’ properties when requested.
Approved low-risk prisoners can undertake community work, when required, under Section 95 of the Prisons Act.
Vessel to patrol hot spots
A new purpose-built vessel has been delivered to the Department of Transport for marine safety patrols south of Perth to Rockingham.
The vessel will patrol “hot spots” including Woodman Point, Challenger Beach and Mangles Bay, as well as on the Swan and Canning Rivers.
It will provide Marine Officers with a more powerful vessel allowing them to respond to emergencies faster and conduct compliance checks with greater efficiency.
Road trains reinstated
Special livestock transport permits issued by Main Roads WA to enable livestock to be transported in 53.5 metre long road trains on certain routes have been reinstated.
The permits were used extensively throughout 2010 to alleviate the effects of the dry season in the Pilbara.
With pasture feed in some agistment areas becoming sparse while rain has improved the situation in others, the road trains allow pastoralists to move a greater number of animals rapidly while alleviating animal welfare risks.
The permits will be reviewed in two months.
Record export earnings
Western Australia’s annual export earnings exceeded $100 billion for the first time in 2010, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported
This represents a record 44.2 per cent of national merchandise export earnings.
The figure is almost the same as the combined earnings of Australia’s next three leading exporters - Queensland ($49.9 billion), NSW ($33.8 billion) and Victoria ($19.1 billion) - a total $102.8 billion.
Grants up for grabs
The 2011 Riverbank Grants Scheme is now open to community and conservation groups which help protect the Swan Canning Riverpark.
The scheme, run through the Swan River Trust, offered grants to a range of projects, from tree-planting to larger, infrastructure developments.
Applications close on Friday 1 April.
Environmental awards
Nominations for the Department of Mines and Energy’s Golden Gecko Awards for Environmental Excellence are now open.
The awards, for Environmental Excellence, are celebrating their 20th anniversary.
Entries close on Friday 8 April. Applications can be made online at this PS News link.
Hospital on Heritage list
The former Kensington Hospital at Subiaco has been included on the State Register of Heritage Places.
The hospital was built for, owned and operated by women, predominantly providing midwifery services from 1937 to 1957.
Situated in Hensman Road, it continued its association with women by becoming an annexe to King Edward Memorial Hospital for 20 years and then a centre providing services to children and their carers.
In 1981, it was transferred to the then Department of Community Welfare and renamed in honour of Brenda Cherry, a Departmental officer.
The Department of Child Protection closed the facility in 2009. It is now for sale.
Offshore Act begins
The commencement of the Offshore Minerals Act 2003 from 1 January 1 fulfils Western Australia’s commitment to the Offshore Constitutional Settlement, the Government has announced.
Under the settlement, between the States, Northern Territory and the Federal Government, it was determined there should be an Australia-wide common minerals legislative regime that would apply to an agreed area of territorial sea.
This means that granted mineral tenements and applications that encroach into this area will now be governed by the 2003 Act and not the Mining Act 1978.
All existing holders of granted mineral tenements affected by this jurisdictional change will be contacted.
8 February, 2011
Website report a
hit with agencies
Departments and Agencies have overcome their need for new websites and are improving the ones they have, according to the latest Website Report published by the Public Sector Commission.
Entitled Website Report for 2009/10, the report shows that only four new sites were created across the Government in the 2009/10 financial year, with 29 decommissioned.
The Report provides a summary and analysis of information collected from organisations in the WA Public Sector as part of the Website Governance Framework (WGF) and is intended to provide a source of information about State Government websites for use by its policy and decision makers.
The WGF reporting focuses on the broad trends and characteristics of websites from a whole-of-government level and does not look at the success of individual websites or place much focus at the individual agency level.
The WGF was released under the Premier’s Circular in May 2008 and has been re-released under Public Sector Commissioner’s Circular 2009-02.
The Framework requires agencies to report on their websites annually on three components including cost savings achieved due to the consolidation or rationalisation of the agency’s websites, the cost the website, and updating the website profile.
The Report indicated a growing level of adoption by agencies of the key requirements of the WGF.
The Report also indicated that agencies are putting more effort into using existing websites to meet business requirements, rather than addressing these requirements by building more websites.
The Report found that agencies are also disposing of websites that no longer serve a business purpose.
The Report showed total number of websites only increased by four from 521 to 525 and the number of websites that were decommissioned grew from 12 in 2008-09 to 29 in 2009-10.
The Report also showed the percentage of new websites meeting or exceeding the baseline Website Accessibility requirement increased from 25 per cent in 2008-09 to 42.4 per cent in 2009-10.
The Report found an increase in the new websites that complied with the WA Government’s Common Website Elements from 25 per cent in 2008-09 to 54.6 per cent in 2009-10.
However there was significant scope for improvement, especially in the application of the WGF across Ministerial portfolios.
The Report found a significant proportion of agencies had actually increased their number of websites while one in four new websites continued to opt for a “.com” or “.com.au” in contradiction of the Domain Name Policy.
The Commission has undertaken a number of steps to further improve website development including an enhanced version of the WGF Business Plan template and strengthening of the WGF communication strategy.
8 February, 2011
Women in pink for
100th celebrations
Celebrations to mark 100 years of International Women’s Day 2011 have been officially launched by the Minister for Women’s Interests, Robyn McSweeney.
Mrs McSweeney said the celebrations were a valuable opportunity to look back on the progress and achievements made by women from all walks of life and backgrounds in the past 100 years.
She said the launch would focus promoting the capturing of Moments in Time to all West Australian women on 8 March highlighted by 106-year-old Margaret (Peg) Vivian talking live via video-link on her life experience and the changes she has seen for women in the last century.
“As Minister for Women’s Interests and Seniors, I had the pleasure to meet Peg Vivian last year when she hopped on and rode on a Segway. It is this youthful attitude that has made Peg an inspiration to women around her to show you can achieve anything you want at any age,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“Tonight’s focus will be on promoting to all West Australian women the idea of recording their own ‘Moment in Time’ throughout International Women’s Day,” she said.
“This can be anything from recording in writing what you are doing to mark the day, or taking a photograph to capture the memory of this year’s centenary.”
Mrs McSweeney said events would be staged across Perth to mark the centenary on 8 March.
She said Moments in Time could be shared online at the International Women’s Day Power of 100 website.
“International Women’s Day started in a small way to mark the achievements of women, but is now a major movement in cities big and small and in most countries of the world,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements and contributions to their local communities and will this year be even more special as we mark 100 years of International Women’s Day.”
More information is available from this PS News link.
8 February, 2011
Day care plan
tucked in
A new strategic plan for the day care sector has been launched by the Minister for Community Services, Robyn McSweeney.
The new plan incorporates changes under the new National Quality Framework (NQF) which is due to come into force on 1 January, 2012.
Mrs McSweeney said the five-year plan outlined national strategies to provide the highest quality care, learning and developmental outcomes for children in the family day care environment.
She said the Department for Communities had been working closely with Family Day Care WA to identify any issues the sector could experience while transitioning to operate under the NQF.
“Interaction with the industry has identified a need for dedicated support to be provided to the family day care sector to assist schemes to transition with changes required under the NQF,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“Support to WA schemes and carers will be undertaken by Family Day Care WA, alongside the Department for Communities where $100,000 will be invested to facilitate this year-long transition period.”
She said the transition period would allow schemes and carers to be informed about the NQF and changes required to their work practices.
“I am confident the plan that has been launched will assist Family Day Care Australia members in understanding and implementing changes under the NQF and provide information and education to schemes and carers about the national changes required to their work practices,” Mrs McSweeney said.
She said there were currently 753 family day care educators who provided care for 5,043 children.
8 February, 2011
Payments flowing
for flood relief
The Department for Child Protection has begun distributing payments to people in Carnarvon affected by the recent floods.
Premier Colin Barnett said the funds, distributed under the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, had been going out since late January.
He said the payments would help residents buy essential household items including fridges, washing machines and kitchen appliances.
“The State Government immediately responds to communities affected by crisis events and has a range of support measures focused on providing support and helping in recovery,” Mr Barnett said.
“Emergency Service Assessment Teams have been working closely with residents in the last week to assess homes with approximately $600,000 allocated to help with this stage of recovery.”
He said the Personal Hardship and Distress Program, administered through the Department for Child Protection, provided assistance to purchase basic items such as clothing, toiletries and temporary accommodation through to basic household items and rendering immediate critical repairs in an effort to making homes safe and habitable.
He said the Department was managing 120 applications for basic household items.
“In the days and weeks after an event like this, people can experience delayed feelings of shock, anger and grief,” Mr Barnett said.
“The Carnarvon District Office has been given added capacity to help support the community as it rebuilds.”
People with immediate needs can contact the Carnarvon office on (08) 9941 1244.
8 February, 2011
Museum chief
showcased
The chief executive of the Western Australian Museum, Alec Coles, has been invested as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Prince of Wales at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Mr Coles was awarded the OBE in recognition for his services to museums, particularly for his work as director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums where he worked on the creation of the Great North Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Mr Coles said he was honoured and humbled by the award.
“I am extremely proud to receive it but in truth it recognises the exceptional work of all my former staff and colleagues at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums,” Mr Coles said.
WA Museum Board of Trustees Chairman, Tim Ungar said the Museum has already benefited greatly from Mr Coles’s experience and drive.
“Alec has been with the Museum for just under a year and has shown decisive and innovative leadership as he positions the organisation as a strong visitor destination within Western Australia,” Mr Ungar said.
“During this time, the Museum successfully presented the blockbuster exhibition A Day in Pompeii to a record audience of 113,000 visitors in 2010 and a comprehensive business case has been prepared and presented to the State Government towards the goal of building a new flagship museum for the State.”
Mr Ungar said Mr Coles’s inclusive approach and commercial acumen had proven to be the driving force behind an increasingly influential and diverse network of supporters.
“His keen sense of what the Western Australian Museum can become has invigorated it with a new sense of purpose and direction and the benefits are becoming clear for all to see,” Mr Ungar said.
8 February, 2011
No more hang-ups
on phone locations
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has changed its rules to allow telephone companies to tell police, fire brigade and ambulance services the location of a mobile phone used to call the Triple Zero emergency number.
Acting Chairman of ACMA, Richard Bean said the rules required mobile carriers to provide emergency service organisations with the most precise mobile phone location information available for emergency calls made from mobile phones, in situations where a Triple Zero caller was unable to verbally report their location.
“Locating callers quickly and with confidence is clearly a crucial element of the Triple Zero emergency call service,” Mr Bean said.
“The ACMA’s new rules enable emergency service organisations to access the most precise location information that is currently available on the mobile networks and also to automatically capture the benefits from any future developments in location-based services offered by the mobile carriers.”
He said mobile phones accounted for about 63 per cent of calls made to Triple Zero but unlike fixed landline phones did not automatically give emergency service organisations accurate details about a caller’s whereabouts.
Mr Bean said this was not an issue for the vast majority of mobile calls where the caller could tell the emergency operator where they were located, but there were times when people were too distressed or unfamiliar with their environment to report their location.
Mr Bean said the new Determination required mobile carriers to: provide the most precise location information they had available on request from an emergency service organisation; resolve emergency call location queries with the highest possible priority; ensure emergency service organisations were provided with a designated contact point and telephone number for location queries, or have a dedicated process for location queries; and assist an emergency service organisation to identify the relevant mobile network carrying the emergency call.
Mr Bean said the Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Amendment Determination 2011 (No. 1) would commence on 20 April.
8 February, 2011
Asthma sufferers
to breathe easy
An Asthma Action Plan card has been developed by the Department of Health’s Respiratory Health Network to assist sufferers manage their condition and encourage easier communication between medical professionals.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Simon Towler said the cards would encourage greater communication between GPs, pharmacists and patients.
He said the wallet-sized card could be used to record a range of medical information and treatment history.
“The Asthma Action Plan cards contain patient-specific information and advice about an individual’s condition,” Dr Towler said.
“This information can be used to help people with asthma better manage their condition and will also help others who may come to their aid during an asthma attack,” he said.
“The card will include the name of an individual’s GP and also the pharmacy that provides their medication.”
Dr Towler said all Perth pharmacies had received training on how they could help ensure people with asthma were taking the right medication and dosage.
Pharmaceutical Society of Western Australia committee member Amanda Bryce said the cards would provide a good opportunity for pharmacists to engage with patients who hadn’t recognised the importance of managing their condition.
“Many customers admit to not having an asthma action plan and aren’t aware that developing a cough overnight or needing to use their Ventolin more than twice a week are red flags for uncontrolled asthma,” Ms Bryce said.
“By recording a person’s medication each time they come to buy a reliever refill, pharmacists can ensure their customers are receiving the appropriate dosage.”
Ms Bryce said the card was a collaborative effort between WA Health, the Asthma Foundation WA, the Pharmaceutical Society of WA, and the University of Western Australia’s School of Pharmacy.
She said the cards were available from Perth pharmacies.
8 February, 2011
Numbers up for
mobile phones
Amendments to the law that makes it illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless it’s securely mounted or connected to a hands-free device will come into effect in Western Australia on 1 March.
Minister for Police and Road Safety, Rob Johnson said the changes would bring the State into line with all other Australian jurisdictions.
He said the changes aimed to clarify existing laws regarding mobile phone use, which had remained unchanged since 2001.
Mr Johnson said the amendments to the Road Traffic Code 2000 also recognised that technology had significantly changed during the past decade and mobile phones now had additional capabilities, such as text and video messaging, emails and GPS.
“The new laws aim to reduce the number of serious crashes on our roads where driver distraction is a factor,” Mr Johnson said.
“It is estimated that driver distraction plays a part in one third of serious crashes on WA roads, and the number of near misses is even higher.”
Mr Johnson said it would be an offence for drivers to create, send or look at a text message, video message, email or similar communication while driving, regardless of whether the phone is secured in a mounting or can be operated without touching it.
“The use of a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of being involved in a crash up to four times, so it is important that we have clear and up-to-date legislation governing the use of these devices, along with other new technology that has emerged,” Mr Johnson said.
He said the GPS function of a mobile phone may be used by a driver as long as the phone was secured in a mounting, and the driver does not touch the phone at any time.
He said any GPS or other navigational device must either be an integrated part of the vehicle’s design or secured in an approved mounting affixed to the vehicle.
“These new laws are designed with safety in mind, for not only drivers, but their passengers and other innocent road users,” Mr Johnson said.
More information is available from this PS News link.
8 February, 2011
Showerhead program
showered with acclaim
A program that allows householders to swap old showerheads for new water-saving models at no cost has been launched by the Minister for Water, Bill Marmion.
Mr Marmion said the Water Corporation’s Showerhead Swap program would be open to all households in the metropolitan area and up to two old, inefficient showerheads could be replaced for free.
“Installing a water efficient showerhead is the best way to save water inside your home,” Mr Marmion said.
He said on average, 22 per cent of all household water use was in the shower.
“By switching to a highly efficient showerhead you can still enjoy a good pressure shower and save between 20 and 30 litres of water per person, per day,” Mr Marmion said.
Mr Marmion said showerheads could be exchanged at any Bunnings store in the Perth metropolitan area.
He said the program was one of several under way aimed at driving down individual water use to 125 kilolitres a year – equivalent to about three backyard pools.
“We must continue to ‘bank’ water now for next summer, and while you might not think swapping a showerhead will make a difference, if we all do it, then overall we can achieve a big saving,” Mr Marmion said.
He said the $4.8 million Showerhead Swap program was jointly funded by the Water Corporation and the Federal Government’s Water for the Future initiative.
He said the initiative aimed to save 13 billion litres of water.
Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability, Senator Don Farrell, said the program also gave families a chance to save on their water bills.
“One new showerhead will save between 7,000 and 11,000 litres of water per person each year and can save an average family of four up to $55 a year off their water bills,” Mr Farrell said.
He said as part of the project, an audit and retrofit of 4,000 households would be rolled out to repair leaks, make fixtures more efficient and identify practical ways to use less water in Perth.
More information is available from this PS News link.
8 February, 2011
Roads lead way to
conservation plan
Eleven Western Australian roads were nominated for the Roadside Conservation Committee (RCC)’s register of Flora Roads in 2010 in what was termed a fitting end to the International Year of Biodiversity.
The roads were suggested by Local Governments and members of the public and stretch from Jurien in the north to Denmark in the south.
RCC Chair, Dr Ken Atkins said the corridors were often the best remaining examples of threatened or rare vegetation in highly cleared rural landscapes.
“In Spring 2010, the RCC visited each nominated road to assess the conservation values and in December recommended 10 of the 11 nominated roads for inclusion on the register,” Mr Atkins said.
“There are currently 36 Flora Roads registered for the south-west of WA, so the addition of another 10 would be quite an achievement, and befitting the International Year of Biodiversity.”
Mr Atkins said the RCC would approach the managing authorities of each of the 10 roads in the coming months to gain the necessary support and cooperation for the management of the roads.
“We recognise that WA’s road network is primarily for transport but some of these roads are also vital relics of the biological diversity once prevalent throughout extensively cleared areas of the State’s agricultural region,” Mr Atkins said.
“It is important that these corridors are managed accordingly and we particularly applaud Main Roads WA and all shires with registered Flora Roads for their commitment to balancing the needs of transport with conservation,” he said.
People can obtain a Flora Roads nomination form for the 2011 spring season by phone (08) 9334 0423 or email rcc@dec.wa.gov.au
8 February, 2011
New nurse intake
pans out well
The number of nurses in the Western Australian health system is expected to swell by 700 in the next six months as 560 registered nurses graduate and a record 132 enrolled nurses join the profession.
Health Minister Kim Hames said the number of enrolled nurses in 2011 compared to the same time last year had risen by 71 per cent.
“Nurses are the backbone of any strong hospital and this year’s intake will help boost the public health system, leading to real benefits for West Australian patients,” Mr Hames said.
“In total, there are also 500 more full-time equivalent nurses now working for WA Health compared to the amount of nurses in October 2008.”
He said the new nurses, combined with the record number of graduate doctors who started with WA Health in January, would help support a number of new initiatives within the public health system.
“WA’s population is expected to rise significantly over the next decade and the need to attract and retain skilled nurses is now more important than ever,” Mr Hames said.
He said the new nurses would be placed throughout nine metropolitan hospitals, 15 country hospitals and health services, and 13 mental health facilities.
Mr Hames said it was important that new nurses got the opportunity to experience working in a range of clinical areas and locations including rural and remote areas.
“Not only will this help their personal development but it will also help alleviate skill shortages in areas that need them most,” he said.
8 February, 2011
Spotlight shines on
cleaning industry
WorkSafe is to launch an ongoing inspection program of the State’s cleaning industry, ensuring participants are aware of the safety risks and employers possess the information needed to comply with the law.
WorkSafe Director Joe Attard said the inspections would focus on raising awareness of the safety risks and ensure that employers had the information required to comply with the law.
“This inspection program is part of an ongoing series of proactive inspections aimed at providing employers with information on how to make workplaces safer,” Mr Attard said.
He said stakeholders in the industry – including the Building Service Contractors Association of Australia and the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union – had been informed of the campaign.
“Employers in the industry should also have been made aware of the fact that inspectors will be conducting visits, so they should know what will be expected of them,” Mr Attard said.
He said inspectors would concentrate on the priority areas of hazardous substances, manual handling, electricity, falls from height and slips, trips and falls.
Mr Attard said inspectors would also look at issues more specific to the industry such as procedures for cleaners working alone, disposing of sharps and control of infectious diseases.
“Inspectors will be looking at a wide range of businesses, from the larger employers to small operators in the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors,” Mr Attard said.
He said the campaign aimed to raise awareness and provide information but also warned that inspectors would take enforcement action if necessary.
“We firmly believe that raising awareness with proactive campaigns is the best way in which to lessen the risk of work-related injury and illness,” Mr Attard said.
More information is available from this PS News link.
8 February, 2011
Riverpark to bank on
new management plan
A new management framework to improve decisions relating to the Swan Canning Riverpark is being developed jointly by the Department of Transport and the Swan River Trust.
The Aquatic Use Management Framework is expected to make management of multiple uses of the Riverpark safer and more equitable.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said river users were invited to attend focus groups in February to help develop the framework for sharing the rivers.
“The riverpark is enjoyed in many different ways - including boating, swimming, paddling and fishing,” Mr Marmion said.
“Sustained growth in demand for use of the waterways has led to this need for a holistic review,” he said.
“We want to achieve safe, equitable, sustainable use of the waterways with minimal conflicts.”
Mr Marmion said a pilot area had been selected, from Canning Bridge to Salter point, to investigate different management options.
Transport Minister Troy Buswell said a comprehensive review of aquatic activities and how they were managed in the Swan Canning Riverpark had not been conducted before.
“It is likely that there will be some changes to existing vessel speed limits, and aquatic use gazettal in areas relevant to personal watercraft,” Mr Buswell said.
Mr Buswell said the project would also consider corridor options related to sailing, kite and wind surfing, motorised vessel prohibited areas and mornings.
The four focus groups included one for Commercial Users, one for Environment Interest and two for the Canning Bridge to Salter Point.
8 February, 2011
Healthy outlook for
GP Super Clinic
Communities in the West Pilbara have met to swap ideas and options for a new GP Super Clinic to be built in Karratha.
The Minster for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said the consultation was designed to ensure the West Pilbara Super Clinic would meet local needs.
“The West Pilbara is a fast growing community, and will continue to grow with the expansion of mining activity in the region,” Ms Roxon said.
Ms Roxon said the GP Super Clinics in other regions were already making it easier for Australians to see and contact a doctor when they needed to.
West Australian Senator, Louise Pratt said it was important that the community had an opportunity to be involved in identifying local health needs and service priorities for the Clinic.
“The consultations give the residents and health professionals of the West Pilbara the opportunity to share ideas about the best options for a GP Super Clinic in their community,” Senator Pratt said.
She said the information session outlined general details of the GP Super Clinics program and explained the funding process.
She said the Commonwealth Government would allocate up to $7 million to establish the Karratha GP Super Clinic as part of the funding for 28 additional Clinics provided in the 2010-11 Budget.
More information is available from this PS News link.
8 February, 2011
Job Centre put to
work in Geraldton
A new Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre has been opened in Geraldton to help improve the long-term employment options for Aboriginal people in the area.
Workforce Development Minister, Peter Collier said the State Government planned to open a further three centres in Broome, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie-Boulder in addition to the Perth metropolitan centre that has been operating since March 2010.
Mr Collier said the centres would improve co-ordination between Aboriginal jobseekers, employers, employment service providers and training providers.
“These centres will achieve Aboriginal employment outcomes through network co-ordination in the local labour market,” Mr Collier said.
The Geraldton centre is co-located with the Mid-West Chamber of Commerce and Industry, working closely with the chamber, other business groups and alliances.
“Geraldton and the Mid-West is a growth area with a number of major initiatives,”
Mr Collier said.
He said the centres aimed to get Aboriginal jobseekers “job ready” and link them with employment and training opportunities.
“The Aboriginal Workforce Development Centres will each have a regional steering group representing key stakeholders from industry and local Aboriginal leaders, as well as community representatives, to ensure they meet local needs and are part of local job creation opportunities,” Mr Collier said.
He said the centres were a cornerstone of the State Government’s ‘Training together - working together’ Aboriginal workforce development strategy.
Mr Collier said the centres would work in partnership with other organisations providing employment, career training and mentoring services, whether they were in government, private or not-for-profit organisations.
Existing services would not be duplicated, Mr Collier said.
8 February, 2011
Town Centre grants to
keep WA beautiful
A new grants program offering local Governments funding for better landscaping, roads, paths, gardens, lighting and signs has been announced by the Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls.
He said the new Great Southern Town Centre Enhancement Program would provide $1 million to enhance town centres.
He said the program was an initiative of the Great Southern Development Commission (GSDC) and offered up to 50 per cent of design costs to a maximum grant of $30,000 and up to 50 per cent of the cost of on-site works to a maximum grant of $150,000.
“The program will help Great Southern local governments present a new face to visitors and bolster local pride,” Mr Grylls said.
“Programs run through the GSDC are already bringing new life to towns in the region, for example the park and tourist railway projects in Kojonup, or the Hidden Treasures program that helps small rural communities attract visitors.”
Agricultural Region MLC Mia Davies said the new initiative would complement the wide range of work under way to build a stronger Great Southern.
Ms Davies encouraged local governments to present their plans to revitalise town centres under the program which she said would enable regional communities to become safer and more attractive places to live, visit and invest.
Applications for funding close on 4 March.
8 February, 2011
More help for Queensland
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority sent two specialised personnel to Queensland to assist with the effects of Cyclone Yasi.
District Manager Training Emergency Services, Steve Summerton and District Manager State Emergency Services South, Glenn Hall were deployed to the far northern region of Queensland before the cyclone hit and will likely stay for two weeks.
Smoking campaign draws praise
The Department of Health has congratulated the Commonwealth Government for investing in a new anti-smoking campaign.
The campaign builds upon the Every Cigarette is Doing You Damage campaign previously run by the Commonwealth and uses the line Every Cigarette Brings Cancer Closer.
Worksafe reminds on falls
WorkSafe has reminded workplaces that safe systems need to be in place when working at heights.
The reminder follows four falls at construction sites since mid-December that resulted in injuries to workers.
WorkSafe said falls from height were almost always preventable.
New boundaries at port
The Department of Transport has released changes to the areas where motorised vessels can operate off Port Denison.
The new boundaries for the operation of motorised craft are designed to protect swimmers and reduce conflict between water users.
The closed water area now extends from outside the Port Denison Fishing Boat Harbour to the town’s foreshore and new signage will mark the boundary.
1 February, 2011
PS chimes in
for gongs
Public Servants across the Western Australian Public Service were recognised in Her Majesty’s Australia Day Honours List, receiving awards and decorations for their excellence, commitment and dedication to duty.
Governor-General, Quentin Bryce announced the recipients of the awards which included the Public Service Medal, Australian Police Medal, Ambulance Service Medal and Emergency Services Medal.
Those honoured were:
OFFICER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO)
Antoinette KENNEDY AO
Trigg
For distinguished service to the law and to the judiciary, particularly in Western Australia, through major reforms of practices and procedures in the judicial system, to professional associations, as a mentor of women in the law, and to the community.
Justice Kennedy was Chief Judge of the District Court until April 2010.
She was a founding Member of the Women’s Lawyers of Western Australia, president and patron.
MEMBER IN THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)
Winthrop Professor Jillian Debora MILROY AM
South Fremantle
For service to the community through the promotion and development of Indigenous education.
Professor Milroy has been Dean of the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia since 2005
She established the Centre for Indigenous History and Art in 1997 and has been a Member of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies since 1992.
MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (OAM)
Ian John CAMERON OAM
Swan View
For service to the viticulture industry in Western Australia.
Mr Cameron was a Project Manager and Development Officer for Table Grapes in the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia until his retirement in 2009.
He started with the Department in 1967.
Professor Ross Kingston DOWLING OAM
Mount Pleasant
For service to the hospitality and tourism industry, to education, and to the development of ecotourism.
Professor Dowling has been Foundation Professor of Tourism at the Edith Cowan University since 2003.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Michael James LAUGHTON-SMITH PSM
Karawara
For outstanding public service in the development and implementation of improved and sustainable electricity supplies to a number of Indigenous communities in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia.
Mr Laughton-Smith is General Manager of Islanded Systems Development with Horizon Power and has led the provision of sustainable electricity supplies to Indigenous communities in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
Barry Andrew SARGEANT PSM
Applecross
For outstanding public service in Western Australia, particularly as Director General, Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor.
Mr Sargeant has been Director General of the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor since 1992.
He has also held senior positions in the Treasury Department, education and was acting Commissioner for Corporate Affairs.
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM)
Assistant Commissioner Nicholas Andrew ANTICICH APM
Assistant Commissioner Anticich has contributed to law enforcement at an operational level over many years, having held positions with the Australian Federal Police, National Crime Authority and the Corruption and Crime Commission.
Brevet Senior Sergeant Jane Marie GILLHAM APM
Brevet Senior Sergeant Gillham is Officer-in-Charge of the Oombulgurri Multi Function Police Facility is the single permanent officer in the remote community.
She has a background in criminal investigation and child abuse matters which serve to assist the community well.
Superintendent Ross Wayne TOMASINI APM
Superintendent Tomasini is District Superintendent at the Mid West-Gascoyne District.
He has erved the WA police since 1978 in such varied areas as the Police Media Unit, Traffic Support, and Corporate Research and Development.
AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL (AFSM)
Thomas (Tom) BROWN AFSM
Mr Brown has been the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer for the Shire of Esperance in 1994.
Prior to that he played a major role in the formation of the Mount Beaumont Bush Fire Brigade and was the Brigade’s Captain.
Rodney Francis EYRE AFSM
Despite being a volunteer firefighter the Shire of Mundaring appointed Mr Eyre its Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer in 2005. On occasion he has relieved as Chief Bush Fire Control Officer.
Craig Anthony HYNES AFSM
As Chief Operating Officer, Mr Hynes holds the highest uniformed position within the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia.
He has been instrumental in the development of WA’s contemporary emergency services model and has been at the forefront of change for a number of years.
Mr Terrence James MAHER AFSM
Mr Maher is Principal Fire Operations Officer in the Department of Environment and Conservation’s Fire Management Services Branch.
He is internationally recognised for his knowledge, experience and leadership in fire control and management after 42 years of distinguished public service.
AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL (ASM)
Christopher David HOPKINS ASM
Mr Hopkins was one of the first Community Paramedics appointed in Western Australia.
He has worked in Newman, Mandurah and several metropolitan depots and has received numerous commendations from members of the public, schools and the Kalgoorlie Fire and Emergency Services.
Brian William KEDING ASM
Mr Keding has served as a volunteer with St John Ambulance since 1979 at the Jerramungup Sub-Centre.
He was instrumental in establishing other Sub-Centres at Wellstead, Gairdner and Bremer Bay and his contribution to Jerramungup and surrounding areas has been significant.
John Charles LAYTON ASM
Mr Layton is a Community Paramedic with St John Ambulance in Kununurra and Wyndham and played a lead role in a recruitment campaign that reinvigorating the Kununurra centre. Known as Target 20 Mr Layton’s campaign was an outstanding success and saw expressions of interest from over 40 potential new volunteers.
EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL (ESM)
Connie Annette EIKELBOOM ESM
Mrs Eikelboom is the Armadale State Emergency Service Unit’s Training Manager.
She is a strong leader and epitomises FESA’s values in the way she communicates.
Graham Charles FIXTER ESM
Mr Fixter has been the Gosnells State Emergency Service Unit’s Operations Officer since 1994.
He initiated the SES Metro Challenge on the concept of shared responsibility which since 2004 has become a popular and valued event in the SES annual calendar.
1 February, 2011
Terms of reference
out for OSS review
The terms of reference for the review into the Office of Shared Services (OSS) have been released by Treasurer, Christian Porter.
Mr Porter said the review would be carried out by the Economic Regulation Authority and would focus on six main aspects of OSS activity.
These are: the effectiveness and efficiency of the OSS at its current level of operations; how the effectiveness and efficiency of OSS is likely to vary with the number of Agencies it services; the impact that “rolling-in” to OSS has had on the operations of a selection of representative Agencies; whether the provision of shared corporate services within the public sector, as implemented so far, has provided a net benefit to the State; whether rolling-in the remaining Agencies would provide a net benefit to the State and whether alternative options for the provision of shared services within the public sector would provide a greater net benefit.
Mr Porter said the analysis would provide the Government with a better understanding of the current status of the shared services project.
“It will also provide information on the relative costs and benefits, including services outcomes for Agencies, associated with various implementation options going forward,” Mr Porter said.
To date, 55 Agencies have rolled in since the project began in 2003 and some “teething problems” have been encountered.
Announcing the review early in the New Year, Premier Colin Barnet said it was an opportunity to take stock of what had happened in order to inform future decision making.
1 February, 2011
State has big tickets
on infrastructure
The Department of State Development has released Western Australia’s submission to the Infrastructure Australia Agency for large, nationally significant, major infrastructure projects.
WA’s submission includes updates on projects submitted to date; and information on the State’s strategic planning for infrastructure developments.
It states that the projects WA has included are aimed specifically at creating jobs, attracting private investment, enhancing the State’s competitive advantage and underpinning WA’s economic and social development beyond the short term.
Four key developments strongly align with Infrastructure Australia’s identified priorities. They are:
Pilbara Cities - the Commonwealth has yet to commit funding; the State Government has earmarked almost $1 billion over the next four years, pending approved business cases.
“Clarity is sought from Infrastructure Australia in relation to which specific infrastructure initiatives are more likely to be supported so that comprehensive business cases can be developed,” the statement said.
Mid West Energy Project - the Commonwealth has yet to commit funding. Western Power is developing a business case for Stages 1 and 2.
Gateway WA - conditional Commonwealth funding commitment. The State has provided a more comprehensive and robust submission through the 2010 round.
Oakajee - the Commonwealth has committed to fund $339 million (equal to the WA
State Government’s own contribution) for the development of common user infrastructure subject to the delivery of a satisfactory business case. The nature of the Commonwealth’s investment needs to be determined and confirmed.
“In broad terms, the pipeline of projects submitted by Western Australia in previous Infrastructure Australia submission rounds remains unchanged,” the submission states.
“All projects remain priorities from the WA Government perspective, though there are clearly some that have moved to a more advanced stage of planning. It is these projects that the State is looking to progress in terms of securing Commonwealth funding support.”
Contributing Agencies to the report are: The Department of Transport, Department of Regional Development and Lands, Western Power, Main Roads WA, Department of Planning, and the Midland Redevelopment Authority.
1 February, 2011
Tourism on song
with Oprah
Tourism Western Australia has reported a spike in website visitor numbers from the United States following Oprah Winfrey’s recent visit to Australia and the publicity it created.
The website www.westernaustralia.com recorded a 24 per cent increase in traffic from the US since Perth and Western Australia featured on the show last November.
Executive Director of Marketing for Tourism Western Australia, Laura Dawson said the Oprah show featured a segment when Michelle Bryan was announced as the winner of the Trip to WA.
The three minutes of footage used on that occasion reached an audience of around seven million and was worth an estimated $2 million in advertising value.
“It has also had a huge impact on the number of Americans visiting our website. We have seen a 24 per cent increase from November to December and so far in January this trend appears to be continuing,” Ms Dawson said.
The Oprah website also featured some excellent information about WA and included the itinerary for Ms Bryan’s trip to Perth and Margaret River.
“This is fantastic news for WA. Tourism Western Australia is working hard to ensure that increase in visitors to our website translates into an increase in the number of people visiting the State,” she said.
Ms Dawson said Tourism WA had in place a wide ranging marketing campaign to leverage off the interest generated by Oprah’s Australian shows. It included Fly free to WA, a partnership between Tourism WA, Qantas Airways and Stella Travel Services USA offering travellers from the US a free flight to WA from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne.
1 February, 2011
Finalists named in
safe work awards
The Courts Administration Authority of South Australia has been named as a finalist in the Sixth Annual Safe Work Australia Awards.
The Courts were named in the Public Sector category, alongside the Australian Capital Territory’s Shared Services Agency.
Pia Carter, of the Department of Fisheries, is the WA finalist in the category of Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety.
The awards emphasise the achievements of everyday Australians who remind their work colleagues and the public in general that workplace safety is a priority.
Chair of Safe Work Australia, Tom Phillips said the national awards promoted continuous improvement in workplace safety by recognising excellence at the Government, organisational and individual levels.
“The 38 finalists represent a range of industries across Australia and these awards present an opportunity to recognise their outstanding contribution to reducing workplace death, injury and disease,” Mr Phillips said.
Finalists won work health and safety awards in their State, Territory, Seacare or Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission jurisdictions.
An independent judging panel will now consider each finalist’s award submission and the winners will be announced on World Day for Health and Safety at Work on
28 April.
More information about the Sixth Annual Safe Work Australia Awards, including finalist information, can be found at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
1 February, 2011
Campaign to bust
ecstasy myths
A new campaign targeting ecstasy has been launched by the Drug and Alcohol Office.
The Drug Aware campaign challenges the myth that ecstasy is a safe drug by focusing on the physical and mental health impacts associated with its use.
While overall illicit drug use in Western Australia is declining, the reported use of ecstasy had remains stable.
Minister for Mental Health, Helen Morton said the latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey showed 4.1 per cent of WA survey participants had used ecstasy in the past year. These were similar results to 2001 and 2004.
“With a range from one to 80 per cent in purity, there is no way of knowing what an ecstasy pill will do to the user, and there is a growing body of research suggesting ecstasy is harmful in both the short and long term,” Mrs Morton said.
“This campaign targets young people aged 15 to 17, as this is a key transition time when teenagers are highly influenced by their environments and social networks.”
She said the campaign incorporated new ways of reaching and communicating with young people with features that include video interviews with experts on the issues, a new youth-oriented ecstasy campaign website and a new website function allowing young people to chat confidentially and free of charge to a qualified counsellor.
1 February, 2011
Grants to include
social inclusion
The new Social Innovation Grants Program is now receiving applications.
The program will provide financial support to community groups working for social innovation and is open to not-for-profit organisations.
Minister for Mental Health and Disability Services, Helen Morton said the grants were designed to offer a clear incentive for the community sector to try new ways of doing business that produce better outcomes for people in need.
“Social innovation is all about developing new ideas, such as products, services or models, to better meet social needs and bring social benefits to the community,” Mrs Morton said.
She said the Government had allocated $2 million funding for 2010-11, increasing to $4 million in future years.
“To be socially innovative, an organisation must understand the needs of the community it serves and be willing to try new strategies to meet those needs in a more tailored and targeted way,” the Minister said.
“Through the program, we want to encourage the sharing of policy, practice and data across Agencies and identify co-location opportunities.”
The program was expected to make a significant contribution over time towards the establishment of a culture of innovation in the delivery of human services in WA.
Applications close on 31 March.
More information is available at this PS News link or by telephone on 6217 8400.
1 February, 2011
Disabled grants to
enable Councils
Local Councils have been urged to apply for grants under the Commonwealth’s new Accessible Communities program which offers up to $100,000 to make communities more accessible for people with disability.
The small infrastructure grants, which are open to individual Councils or consortia of Councils, will help improve the accessibility of public buildings and facilities for people with disability.
This includes making improvements such as access ramps, lifts, hoists and accessible public toilets, as well as community infrastructure such as playgrounds, swimming pools, libraries and town halls.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas said people with disability and their carers deserved the same opportunities as other Australians in their local community.
“These grants will give Local Councils financial assistance to upgrade their public buildings and facilities so people with disability and their carers can participate in the local community,” Senator McLucas said
The Accessible Communities program is part of an $11 million accessibility package to support the Government’s National Disability Strategy.
The Strategy will set a 10-year reform plan for all Governments to address the barriers faced by Australians with disability and encourage greater social inclusion.
Applications for grants close on 25 February. The grants must be matched by applicants with an equal or greater amount of funding.
1 February, 2011
Meter running
on taxi reform
A forum on improving the taxi industry is to be held on 8 February, offering up to 200 taxi drivers the chance to share their ideas and opinions with Minister for Transport, Troy Buswell.
Mr Buswell said his Department’s priorities were to improve safety, availability and service standards for the thousands of West Australians, and visitors who used the WA taxi service each year.
“While the State Government regularly seeks advice from the Taxi Industry Board and the Taxi Industry Board Reference Group, which represent taxi stakeholders and users, I am keen to engage directly with the drivers to ensure that all points of view are heard,” Mr Buswell said.
“This forum will give taxi drivers an opportunity to express any concerns they have and to discuss their ideas for improving the industry.”
The forum will be held at Ascot Racecourse when Mr Buswell said he would be explaining his concerns and ideas for industry.
“But the main focus will be for the drivers to put their views to me, and also to give them an opportunity to ask me questions,” he said.
“While we will have limited time, I’ll do my best to ensure all drivers in attendance can have a say and that any concerns raised on the day are followed up.”
1 February, 2011
Job cuts bedevil
Tasmanian PS
Tasmanian Public Servants are concerned that their new State Premier, Lara Giddings, intends cutting PS job numbers.
Ms Giddings replaced David Bartlett after his surprise resignation last month.
The Premier, Lara Giddings, has said the state was struggling financially and cutting public service jobs to improve the state’s finances was one option on the table.
Assistant Secretary Tim Jacobson said the Health and Community Service Union wrote to former premier David Bartlett seeking reassurances but received no response and Ms Giddings must respond.
“The rumours that we’ve heard are somewhere in the order of a 5 per cent cut across the public sector and numbers that seem to equate to the many hundreds across the Department of Health and Human Services,” Mr Jacobson said.
“It would be into the hundreds, if not thousands.”
Ms Giddings said belts must be tightened.
“We’ve had a reduction of some $200 million in our GST over the next four years, so that’s $50 million a year, that’s on top of other reductions we’ve had in recent times,” Ms Giddings said.
Tasmania’s Police and Education Minister, Lin Thorp, said she could not guarantee there would not be job cuts to frontline services.
“The Premier’s said quite clearly she is not ruling anything in or anything out at the moment,” Ms Thorp said.
“I of course, like anyone, am protective of my patch but I’ll be waiting like all of us will be for the mid-year financials and that will give us a clear indication of what we may need to do in the future,” she said.
1 February, 2011
Museum to balance
Ledger exhibition
The Western Australian Museum is to create an exhibition on the life of Perth-born movie and television star, Heath Ledger.
Plans for the exhibition are still in the planning stages and the museum is working closely with Ledger’s father, Kim, regarding its content.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day said the exhibition was scheduled to open in 2012 and the Ledger family had already provided significant major exhibits, such as the costume the Academy Award-winning actor wore portraying the Joker in The Dark Knight.
“It will also include memorabilia from less well-known areas of the life of one of Western Australia’s most famous sons,” Mr Day said.
“As well as the stories from his youth and early career, the exhibition will document his aspirations as a director, his talented work creating music videos and his formidable abilities as a chess player and photographer.”
Kim Ledger said the family would provide the Oscar awarded to his son in 2009 for his The Dark Knight role and the diary he kept as he developed the character of the Joker.
“We are extremely pleased to work with the wonderful staff at the WA Museum with a view to both preserving and providing historical personal information, objects of interest and movie paraphernalia for a display which will attract both local interest and visitors to WA, from interstate and overseas,” Mr Ledger said.
In addition, the Art Gallery of NSW has pledged to lend the museum the painting, Heath, by Melbourne-based artist Vincent Fantauzzo.
Ledger starred in a number of box office successes including 10 Things I Hate About You, The Patriot; Monster’s Ball, A Knight’s Tale and Brokeback Mountain, all of which will feature in the exhibition.
1 February, 2011
Curtain goes up on
State Theatre Centre
The State Theatre Centre of Western Australia has been officially opened at a civic ceremony.
Premier, Colin Barnett said the opening was a defining moment in the cultural history of the State and represented a new era for performing arts.
“Not only will the State Theatre Centre be an inspiring venue for performers and audiences, it is also an elegant architectural and civic landmark for the city,” Mr Barnett said.
“It will create a sense of place and identity in the Perth Cultural Centre and contribute to Perth’s regeneration. It is a venue of which all West Australians can rightly be proud.”
Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day said the Centre would present works that would challenge, entertain and inspire audiences.
“Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, the centre features state-of-the-art technology and facilities, including the impressive Heath Ledger Theatre and the flexible performance space, Studio Underground,” Mr Day said.
The ceremony was the first in a series of celebrations to mark the opening of the State Theatre Centre and was hosted by well-known Australian actor William McInnes who studied his craft at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Exhibits from the WA Museum’s 2012 exhibition about Heath Ledger’s life, including the 2009 Best Supporting Actor Oscar statuette and the costume from Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight, were loaned to the State Theatre Centre for the opening celebrations.
Celebrations continued over the weekend with the first official performances at the Centre.
1 February, 2011
Medical campaign goes
for the doctor
A campaign to raise awareness about after-hours medical services has been launched by the Minister for Health along with a new iPhone application.
The Minister, Kim Hames, said the campaign had been developed so the public knew what GP services were open outside normal business hours and to help people locate a nearby clinic, depending on their medical needs.
“It will also help to reduce pressure on public hospital emergency departments and support the sustainability of GP after-hours services in WA,” Dr Hames said.
The iPhone application would allow people with busy lifestyles to easily gain information about after-hours GP clinics across the State.
People without an iPhone could receive the contact details of their nearest after-hours clinic by calling healthdirect Australia 1800 022 222; Telstra Directory Assistance 1223; visiting WA Health or White Pages online or using any mobile phone with an internet connection.
Dr Hames said the State-wide campaign would also feature a range of outdoor, online and press advertisements, which were further important steps to support patients who needed to see a doctor outside regular hours.
The iPhone application contains information about 47 GP after-hours services - including locum services - and is designed to be updated as required.
It is an opt-in campaign, but any service which opened before 8am and after 6pm weekdays; before 8am and after 12pm Saturdays; and any time on Sundays and public holidays, was free to take part.
The Minister said the campaign was developed in consultation with key groups, including the Western Australian Divisions of General Practice and the WA Faculty of The Royal College of General Practitioners.
1 February, 2011
Farmers reap benefits
from DAFWA workshops
A series of workshops offered by the Department of Agriculture and Food will aim at improving farm viability for sheep and cattle producers.
The business program Stockplan can assist cattle and sheep producers, advisers and agribusinesses in exploring management options in the early stages of drought, during drought and recovery.
Research Officer at the Department, Jeisane Accioly said the roll-out in Western Australia followed a highly successful program in NSW.
“Producers in many parts of WA are currently contending with the extended dry season,” Ms Accioly said. “These workshops take a whole-of-business approach to managing climate risks, minimising the long-term impact and improving recovery.”
StockPlan workshops will include information on options for livestock, feed requirements and cost, stock structure and cash flow effects when selling or buying livestock and designing a stock containment facility.
“The workshops will provide hands-on experience with a software program designed to explore these questions and many more to help producers manage this dry season and be in the best position possible to recover when it breaks,” Ms Accioly said.
The workshops, funded by the Department and the Rural Business Development Corporation, will run between February and June with dates and locations depending on producer interest. Workshop numbers and places will be limited.
1 February, 2011
Hospital contract
alive and well
The two private hospital operators shortlisted to build the new $360 million Midland Health Campus have been named as Ramsay Health Care and St John of God Health Care.
The two operators responded to the State’s call for Expressions of Interest to have the hospital operating by 2015 and were rigorously reviewed to emerge as the shortlisted providers.
The project, jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, will replace Swan District Hospital with 307 beds and a greater range of services to enable more patients to receive the care they require closer to home.
Minister for Health, Kim Hames said that delivering the new hospital in partnership with the private sector would provide the best value for taxpayers while maintaining quality clinical care.
“The Expressions of Interest submitted by Ramsay Health Care Ltd and St John of God Health Care Inc. were very strong and we are confident that both companies are capable of designing, building and operating the new facility in accordance with the State’s requirements for high quality care for the rapidly growing population in the eastern corridor,” Dr Hames said.
Treasurer, Christian Porter said shortlisted providers were required to submit detailed proposals by mid-2011, with the selection of the preferred proponent by the end of the year.
“Both companies will be assessed to determine which can provide the best care in line with community requirements, and value for money,” Mr Porter said.
“A final decision on private sector provision will only be made after the detailed proposals have gone through an extensive evaluation process to determine whether they meet the Government’s high service expectations.”
The Midland Health Campus will be the first new hospital in the region for 50 years. It will be built on an eight-hectare site on Clayton Street adjacent to the railway line and the former Midland Railway Workshops.
1 February, 2011
Call to add justice
to gap strategy
The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Michelle Scott has called for criminal justice targets, including youth justice targets, to be incorporated in the Closing the Gap agenda to ensure the strategy succeeds.
She said that nationally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are 24 times as likely to be in detention as non-Aboriginal young people and make up 75 per cent of young people in detention in Western Australia and about half in NSW.
“High levels of Aboriginal imprisonment compound existing individual and community disadvantage,” Ms Scott said.
“For Aboriginal young people in particular, justice and welfare issues are inextricably linked.
“The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General has committed to developing Closing the Gap justice targets and these need to be established as a matter of urgency.”
Ms Scott said that the targets would help promote collaboration and cooperation between States, Territories and the Federal Government to focus investment and resources into a wider range of interventions that are proven to work.
Closing the Gap targets in health, early childhood, education and employment would be impossible to meet without cutting the rate of Aboriginal people’s over-representation in the criminal justice system.
“Integrating criminal justice targets into the COAG agenda is essential if Australia is to make greater headway on closing the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage,” the Commissioner said.
Ms Scott represented the Australian Children’s Commissioners and Guardians group (ACCG) at a House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs round table in Sydney on 28 January.
1 February, 2011
Treasury tenders online
The Department of Treasury and Finance has is to cease advertising tenders in the mass media from 3 February.
The decision includes tenders for all goods, services, and public works.
This move is in line with the change in the State Supply Commission’s policy last year, when it became no longer mandatory for Government tenders over $150,000 to be advertised in The West Australian newspaper.
City future in sights
A seminar on the future of Perth is to be held on 23 February by the Institute of Public Administration Australia, WA.
Titled The Future of Perth: What Sort of City Are We Planning For?, the seminar will include presenters ranging from academics to planning executives providing insight on urban planning, transport, environment and sustainability initiatives to meet Perth’s growing population.
Keynote speaker and Winthrop Professor and Director of the Urban Design Centre of WA, Richard Weller, said Perth’s long-term future was at stake both socially and environmentally.
“We need to plan, design and construct more innovative forms of urbanism and convert what is a monoculture of suburbia into a more diverse and interesting and resilient city,” Professor Weller said.
New hours for IR Commission
The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission’s Registry opening hours have been changed to 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The new hours came into force on 31 January.
There is no change to the 24-hour access to the Registry online or with the after-hours contact telephone number.
GESB gets UK OK
Superannuation provider GESB is now accepting United Kingdom pension transfers following its recognition as a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
Eligible members will now be able to preserve more of their savings to fund their retirement. At the same time, the financial and administrative burden of maintaining more than one superannuation account will be reduced.
Around one in ten of the WA population was born in the UK and around 10,000 UK migrants arrive with a significant number working in the public sector and becoming GESB members.
Feedback on Access plan
The Disability Service Commission is seeking feedback on a new five-year Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. The current plan expires in June.
Disability Access and Inclusion Plans improve access to the information, services and facilities of major Government service providers and Local Government Authorities.
People wishing to provide feedback should select the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Review button on the Commission’s internet home page and comment on the form provided, or download the form and email it to access@dsc.wa.gov.au
New courts for Albany
The Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre Exhibition Courts have been opened.
The centre now has seven indoor courts catering for basketball, netball, volleyball and indoor hockey. The three new additional indoor multi-purpose courts replace four outdoor courts.
The $5.9 million project was funded through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund administered by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Federal Government’s Community Infrastructure Program.
Youth Committees settled
The Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Metropolitan and Regional Advisory Committees will be made up of children and young people from the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre and the Wheatbelt Youth Leadership Development Team.
The Committees will operate during 2011 and 2012. The move to a two-year appointment is aimed at allowing the Advisory Committees a greater opportunity to develop their ideas, projects and team capabilities.
They will begin work from the beginning of the school year.
Pindan wins school tender
The tender for improvements at Exmouth District High School has been awarded to Pindan Pty Ltd.
The project includes two new four-classroom primary school teaching blocks, upper school undercover courts, a new library and a canteen/eating area.
Work is expected to be completed by August 2012.
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